Google rejects global delisting request from French regulatorIn a company blog post published Thursday, Google global privacy counsel Peter Fleischer said the tech giant respectfully disagrees with French regulator CNIL's recent delisting request. According to the blog, CNIL requested that Google apply French "right to be forgotten" requests -- whereby a citizen requests removal of search results containing his or her name -- to all versions of Google across the globe, rather than just French or European versions of the search engine. "We believe that no one country should have the authority to to control what content someone in a second country can access," said Fleischer. Reference Link

Google denies French request to apply 'right to be forgotten,' Reuters saysGoogle is denying a request from the French privacy watchdog to clean search results worldwide when users invoke their "right to be forgotten" online, Reuters reports. Reference Link

Appeals court affirms lower court judgment in Microsoft, Motorola patent suitThe 9th Circuit Appeals court affirmed the judgment of a district court in a patent lawsuit between Microsoft (MSFT) and Motorola, which is now owned by Google (GOOG). In its ruling, the appeals court wrote: "With the parties’ consent, the district court conducted a lengthy, thorough bench trial on the RAND rate and range. The court analyzed that evidence in its exhaustive findings of fact and conclusions of law, in a manner consistent with the Federal Circuit’s recent approach to establishing damages in the RAND context. The court’s factual findings were properly admitted at the jury trial. The jury’s verdict was supported by substantial evidence, and its damages award was proper." In a tweet after the ruling was released, Markman Advisors, which specializes in patent law, stated that Microsoft, Qualcomm (QCOM), InterDigital (IDCC) and others will be affected by this ruling, which it characterized as "tough for licensors of standard-essential patents."

UBS says YouTube paid service could be $1B businessGoogle's (GOOG, GOOGL) revenue could increase by about $1B or more if it decides to offer a paid, ad free version of its YouTube website in the U.S., UBS wrote in a note to investors today. The firm made the estimate based on a survey it conducted of U.S. consumers. WHAT'S NEW: YouTube remains well-positioned to benefit from the growth of online video, UBS analyst Eric Sheridan stated. After UBS conducted a survey of U.S. adult consumers, Sheridan reported that the survey found that 27% of U.S. consumers would probably subscribe to a paid, ad free version of YouTube. According to Bloomberg, YouTube has decided to launch such a service in coming months. If only 5% of U.S. YouTube users buy subscriptions to the service, Google's revenue would rise by about $943M, Sheridan estimated. Following the survey, the analyst is more confident that Google will meet his revenue estimates, which exceed consensus levels. Specifically, he predicted that Google's revenue for the second half of 2015 would come in at $32.4B, versus the consensus outlook of $31.8B, while its 2016 revenue would be $72.2B, compared with the consensus estimate of $69.7B. Sheridan kept a $750 price target and Buy rating on the stock. WHAT'S NOTABLE: Other companies that are significantly exposed to online video include Netflix (NFLX), Facebook (FB) and AOL, which has been acquired by Verizon (VZ). PRICE ACTION: In morning trading, Google Class A shares were little changed at $657.55.

Google Express workers file for representation by Teamsters unionTeamsters Local Union 853 announced yesterday that workers at Palo Alto-based Google Express Services filed for a representation election. The more than 140 warehouse and shipping workers sought out the Teamsters for help with improving working conditions, treatment on the job and compensation. Google Express Services, operated by Adecco, provides products shipped from local businesses to consumers on a same-day or overnight basis. Workers are required to sign short-term employment agreements with Adecco that limit them to two years before the company lets them go. Workers have also alleged subjection to constant harassment to work faster in poor conditions that includes damaged equipment, cracked floors and failing electrical systems that have resulted in fires.

Google to decouple Google+ from YouTube, other servicesGoogle will begin decoupling Google+ from other services such as YouTube within the coming months after previously requiring users to log in through the social network. "While we got certain things right, we made a few choices that, in hindsight, we’ve needed to rethink," said Bradley Horowitz, Google VP of streams, photos, and sharing. Reference Link

ADT rises after Citi downplays 'smart home' concernsShares of ADT (ADT) are heading higher in afternoon trading following an upgrade from Citi, within which the research firm said traditional home security firms have plenty of traction as self-installed, self-monitored security solutions from the likes of Apple (AAPL) and Google's (GOOG) Nest are slow to be adopted by homeowners. WHAT'S NEW: Citi's Jason Bazinet issued a research note on the home security sector, upgrading ADT to Buy from Neutral while slightly lowering his price target to $39 from $40. Bazinet notes that the sector is expanding into "smart home" technology powered by companies like Apple and Google's Nest. Despite this, the analyst contends that consumer data shows continued preference for the traditional approach in the form of professionally installed and professionally monitored services from ADT, Monitronics, Vivint, AT&T (T) and Comcast (CMCSA, CMCSK). WHAT'S NOTABLE: Though tech firms and venture capitalists seem drawn towards the concept of self-installed, self-monitored "smart homes," consumers appear to be sticking with the professionals, says Citi. Security systems using Apple HomeKit and Google's Nest products are seeing "limited" adoption, and firms like ADT -- equipped with call centers and installation specialists -- appear ready to "hold their own," with recent weakness in ADT shares called an "opportunity" by Bazinet. The analyst conceded that professional security providers will see their market share drop to 15% from a current 20%, but Bazinet set a 2035 date for that shift, leaving plenty of near-term opportunity for traditional players. PRICE ACTION: After a 25% drop since mid-April, shares of ADT are up about 1.4% to trade near $32 this afternoon.

Google AdSense publishers to obtain EU end users' consent before accessing dataGoogle has announced a change to its user consent policy which will affect website publishers using Google AdSense. Under the new policy, publishers will have to obtain EU end users’ consent before storing or accessing their data, Google says in a blog post. Jason Woloz, Security & Privacy Program Manager, Display and Video Ads, comments, "European Union data protection authorities requested some changes to current practices for obtaining end user consents. It has always been Google’s policy to comply with privacy laws, so we’ve agreed to make certain changes affecting our own products and partners using Google products. If your websites are getting visitors from any of the countries in the European Union, you must comply with the EU user consent policy. We recommend you start working on a policy-compliant user consent mechanism today." Reference Link

YouTube updates app, to offer VR, Engadget saysGoogle's YouTube has updated its mobile app, adding Home, Subscriptions, and Account tabs, Engadget reports. Users can watch full-screen vertical videos with just a single tap for the first time. In addition, the redesigned app comes with a set of video creation tools, including the option to trim footage, tint the image with filters, add music, and upload creations within the app. In addition, YouTube said that virtual reality will come to the streaming service with 360-degree video, the report says. Reference Link

Wal-Mart's Apple Pay competitor launching soon, Bloomberg saysCurrentC, the mobile payment application funded by Wal-Mart (WMT), Target (TGT), Best Buy (BBY) and others, will see an early trial run next month, Bloomberg reported earlier, citing three people familiar with the situation. A spokesperson for Lowe's (LOW) said the consortium behind the app expects an official launch in Q3, and Bloomberg noted that CurrentC will compete with more "established" offerings such as Apple's (AAPL) Apple Pay and Google's (GOOG) Android Pay. Reference Link

Earnings Watch: Visa reports after 'top pick' mention by BernsteinVisa (V) is expected to report third quarter results after the close on July 23, with a conference call scheduled for 5:00 pm ET. Visa is a global payments technology company. EXPECTATIONS: Analysts are looking for earnings per share of 59c on revenue of $3.36B. EPS consensus ranges 54c-65c on a revenue range of $3.32B-$3.41B, according to First Call. LAST QUARTER: On April 30, Visa reported second quarter EPS of 63c against expectations for 62c, and reported revenue of $3.41B versus estimates of $3.34B. During its quarterly conference call, the company noted that "we're now looking at Q3 fully diluted EPS being 6c-8c lower than analyst's current expectations," adding that results are likely to be pressured by higher client incentives. Visa executives also disclosed expectations for a "meaningful step-up" in Q3 expense growth, with a number of marketing and technology initiatives having shifted towards the latter half of the year. PEERS: American Express (AXP) reported quarterly earnings after the close on July 22, with earnings above consensus estimates but revenue somewhat below expectations, noting a "significant" impact from a stronger U.S. dollar on international operations. NEWS: On May 8, Bloomberg reported that Visa was in preliminary talks to acquire Visa Europe for $15B-$20B, according to sources. On June 3, Visa and FireEye (FEYE) announced a strategic partnership to co-develop tools and services to protect against cyber attacks targeting payment data. On June 5, the Wall Street Journal reported that, due to Visa and MasterCard (MA) having finalized their card-security technology, Google's (GOOG) Android Pay will not be earning any transaction fees from credit-card issuers, and on June 17, Reuters reported that a U.S. appeals court affirmed that American Express can no longer block businesses from steering customers towards competitor cards, such as those of Visa. STREET RESEARCH: On May 19, Pacific Crest's Josh Beck shifted his preference to MasterCard from Visa, though he noted that the shift was simply due to Visa's outperformance over the past year. On May 20, Bernstein noted that the risk/reward ratio for both Visa and MasterCard looks positive, with the companies offering secular growth, "compelling" business models, and modest risk. More recently on July 14, Bernstein named Visa among its "Vintage Values 2016" list, citing the company's U.S. acquirer price increase and expectations that the Visa Europe put option will be exercised this year. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Visa have fallen just under 1% to $71.41 ahead of Thursday's earnings report.

Oracle requests permission to update suit against Google, Reuters reportsOracle (ORCL) has requested permission from a U.S. judge to update its copyright lawsuit against Google (GOOG) to include the Android operating system's current market dominance, Reuters reports. Oracle has said it wants the suit to add that Google continues its copyright infringement through updated versions of Android, the report says. Reference Link

Competitors ask EU to probe Google ad technology market practices, FT saysSeveral of Google's (GOOG) rivals, including OpenX and AppNexus, which is part owned by WPP (WPPGY) and Microsoft (MSFT), have suggested that the European Union investigate the internet giant, claiming it may be unlawfully stifling competition in the market for advertising technology, the Financial Times reports. The companies' grievances relate to the way in which Google bundles its advertising technology products through contracts that may discourage or even prevent customers from using competitors' services, the report says. The companies in question have submitted documents to the EU expressing concern over the issue but have not submitted an official complaint, the report adds. Reference Link

Sony to create drone company to offer services for business customers, WSJ saysSony (SNE) plans to create a drone company to offer services like inspecting aged infrastructure and surveying land that is difficult to access, The Wall Street Journal reports. The drone company, Aerosense, will be created in a joint venture with ZMP Inc, a Tokyo startup which specializes in autopilot technology. Amazon (AMZN) and Google (GOOG) are currently researching the use of drones for package delivery, the report notes. Reference Link

Yahoo CEO sees Q3 pressure on revenue ex-TAC and adjusted EBITDASpeaking on the company's Q2 earnings conference call, Yahoo (YHOO) CEO Marissa Mayer said she is "pleased" with momentum in display business, adding that the company will continue to focus on sustaining GAAP revenue growth while striving to grow adjusted EBITDA. She noted search clicks were up 13% for the quarter, and mobile user base was up 14%. Mayer cautioned that the Gemini search platform will see pricing pressure and reduced revenue per search in the near-term as Yahoo optimizes the service. She said she expects "some" pressure in Q3 including pressure on revenue ex-TAC and adjusted EBITDA, and remarked separately that Yahoo has been investing "modestly" over the past two years in algorithmic and paid search technologies. Finally, Mayer declined to speculate on any future agreements with Google (GOOG). CFO Ken Goldman said the company's "highest priority" is to execute the Alibaba (BABA) spinoff this year. Goldman also noted that Yahoo's board of directors and management team have met with advisors to review alternatives with regards to Yahoo Japan, but had no specific conclusion to share.

Sell PayPal amid mounting payments competition, Piper saysShares of PayPal (PYPL) advanced over 5% yesterday in the stock's first day of trading following a split from eBay (EBAY), with the majority of research firms issuing optimistic notes on its prospects. This morning, however, analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray recommends selling the share as competition grows in the digital payments space. BEARS: Munster started shares of PayPal with an Underweight rating, the firm's equivalent of a "Sell," saying increased competition could pressure the stock's multiple over the next 6-24 months. Google's (GOOG) Android Pay and Apple's (AAPL) Apple Pay will give consumers a "real alternative to PayPal" for the first time, Munster tells investors in his research note. In addition, interest in payments from Amazon.com (AMZN) and Facebook (FB) bring potential for more digital wallet offerings, the analyst notes. Munster set a $30 price target for PayPal. Of note, Evercore ISI also started coverage of PayPal shares yesterday with a Sell rating. BULLS: Wells Fargo initiated coverage of PayPal yesterday with an Outperform rating, saying the company's unique assets will enable it to maintain its leadership role in digital payments and benefit from the growth of e-commerce. Also upbeat was Robert W. Baird analyst Colin Sebastian, who contends that PayPal has the top pure play online payment system and is continuing to grow its share of the Internet payment market. PayPal should be able to innovate more effectively after its spin-off, added the analyst, who set a $45 price target on the shares. PRICE ACTION: Shares of PayPal are pointing toward further gains in their second day of standalone trading, with the stock up about 2.7% to $41.55 in pre-market trading.

Google shutting down Google+ Photos beginning August 1Google said in a blog post, "In May, we launched Google Photos as the home for all your photos and videos. With Google Photos you can store unlimited high quality photos and videos for free, find photos fast, and see them organized by what matters to you. Plus, you can bring moments to life and share anywhere with anyone. In an effort to ensure everyone has the best photos experience we can deliver, on August 1st we’ll start to shut down Google+ Photos -- initially on Android, and soon thereafter on the Web and iOS. If you’re still using Google+ Photos, now is a great time to make the switch. You may have seen a prompt in Google+ Photos on Android with a link to download the new Google Photos. Don’t worry, all your photos and videos will still be saved and available after you switch to the new, stand-alone Google Photos app. With the new app you’ll still be able to backup, edit, and share your photos and videos, with unlimited storage, automatic organization, and more." Reference Link

PayPal initiated with an Underweight at Piper JaffrayPiper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster started shares of PayPal (PYPL) with an Underweight rating saying increased competition could pressure the stock's multiple over the next 6-24 months. Underweight is Piper's equivalent of a sell rating. Google's (GOOG) Android Pay and Apple's (AAPL) Apple Pay will give consumers a "real alternative to PayPal" for the first time, Munster tells investors in a research note. In addition, interest in payments from Amazon.com (AMZN) and Facebook (FB) bring potential for more digital wallet offerings, the analyst notes. Munster set a $30 price target for PayPal, which began trading yesterday following a spinoff from parent company eBay (EBAY). Shares of the online payment system closed Monday up $2.08 to $40.47.

YouTube advertisers surge 40% over past year, FT reportsThe number of advertisers on Google's YouTube has increased more than 40% in the past year, the Financial Times reports. YouTube said that advertisers from the top 100 brands, ranked by Interbrand, were spending 60% more on advertising than last year, the report says. The website does not disclose revenue figures, but certain data show that it is benefiting from a surge in demand for digital video advertising as millennials spend more time on the site, the report says. Reference Link